Can a Letter of Administration be Transferred to Another Person?

January 20, 2026    Deceased Estate Lawyers Perth
Can a Letter of Administration be Transferred to Another Person?

A Letter of Administration is given to an individual as a legal authority to manage and distribute the estate of a person who has died without a valid executor or if the executor cannot act. The grants are controlled by the court and may revoke, vary or reissue them in specific circumstances. In this context, we’ll discuss when a grant can be changed, the usual court process, the rules about who can replace an administrator, and the steps to follow.

What is a Letter of Administration?

A Letter of Administration in Perth is a court grant and is often given as a legal document to a person who is authorised to manage and distribute the estate of someone who has died without a valid will or executor. In Western Australia, the grant is issued by the Supreme Court, Probate Registry. The appointed administrator can collect assets, pay outstanding debts and transfer property to beneficiaries in accordance with the law.

When Might A Transfer Be Needed?

A legal transfer of Letter of Administration may be required if the current administrator has been through any of these situations:

  • Dies before completing the administration of the estate.
  • Formally renounces the appointment before taking any substantive steps.
  • Becomes physically or mentally incapable of performing their duties.

Legal Basis and Court Powers

Once it is clear that an administrator can no longer act to distribute assets, the focus shifts from practical difficulty to legal authority. In Western Australia, the power to appoint, revoke and replace an administrator is stated in the Administration Act 1903 (WA). The particular act is applied by the Supreme Court through its probate jurisdiction.

As per this Act, the Court has the power to award letters of administration, revoke an existing grant and award a new grant where the circumstances demand it. This covers the cases in which an administrator has passed away, renounced the position, or become incapable. The Court is a supervisory body, which oversees the proper administration of the estate in a legal, efficient and in the best interests of the beneficiaries and creditors.

Who Can Replace an Administrator?

In a case where an administrator is no longer able to take action, the Supreme Court will look at the legal persons who have the right to fill the position as per the Administration Act 1903 (WA). Preference is typically supplied to individuals with the nearest interest in the estate, including spouse or a de facto partner, then adult children or other next of kin. In the absence of an appropriate family member, the Court can give an appointment to a beneficiary having a financial interest or the Public Trustee. The decision of the Court about the transfer of Letters of Administration in Perth is centered on fitness, ability, and the correct management of the estate.

Typical Procedures to Change or Transfer The Grant

Changing or transferring a grant follows a formal court process. The process is aimed at the approval of the current grant, the determination of the next person to apply, and providing the court with the information that the change is needed and appropriate. Some of the key processes include:

  • Review the original grant: The starting point is to determine whether the estate is being handled by the probate or letters of administration, and to determine whether there are any events within the estate that legally require the grant to be revoked or replaced.
  • Seek early legal advice: Getting legal advice from the best deceased estate lawyers in Perth. Also, make sure all interested parties are properly accounted for before filing any documents.
  • File a court application: The application is filed requesting revocation of the current grant and granting of a new one. Affidavits supporting such changes of circumstances should be made and beneficiaries or other persons concerned are generally notified before such orders are granted.

Evidence The Court May Ask For

The court looks at evidence to ascertain that the estate needs to be administered and that the proposed modification will facilitate an orderly and legal result. In this regard, the court may ask for the following evidence:

  • Proof of death of the existing administrator, such as an official death certificate.
  • A formal renunciation document where the administrator has withdrawn before completing the administration.
  • Medical or professional evidence demonstrating physical or mental incapacity.
  • Affidavit material detailing neglect, delay, misconduct, or conflict of interest.
  • A current summary of estate assets and liabilities to show the administration status.
  • Affidavits from beneficiaries or interested parties stating consent or objections.

To get all of this evidence, you can take suggestions from estate lawyers Perth.

Wrapping Up

A Letter of Administration without will can be transferred through a structured process. Courts are empowered to ensure that estates continue to be managed effectively if circumstances change. Where an administrator can no longer act, the law provides clear mechanisms for appointing a suitable replacement. This transition can be managed smoothly with timely action, proper evidence, and appropriate legal assistance from estate lawyers.

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